Heat production in municipal and industrial waste as revealed by isothermal microcalorimetry

Abstract Self-ignited fires at municipal solid waste (MSW) storage sites are relatively common. The minimization of the phenomenon self-heating in can reduce risks for smouldering combustion. purpose this work was to develop a method that be used measure and characterize heat production MSW. is based on isothermal conduction microcalorimetry (IMC). MSW determined sampling from two different geographical locations Sweden. Both original milled/homogenised were tested. measured temperatures together with gas analysis using micro-gas chromatography. activity waste, terms its flow, increased when temperature up 60 °C decreased higher temperatures, e.g., 70 80 °C. consumption oxygen carbon dioxide, production, indicated aerobic metabolism responsible production. This further strengthened by marginal observed ultraviolet treated waste. results showed IMC valuable tool characterising industrial